Help - Letter from the police!

TonyMMM

BucksLady wrote: »

I find it quite bizarre that someone hasn't called round to 'ask' questions, rather than sending a letter. What a shock that must have been:eek:

It's not bizarre - it is a standard process to identify the driver of a vehicle. Thousands of these letters (under s172 of the Road traffic Act) are sent out every day (for speeding offences, red lights and failing to stop accidents and other driving matters) .... until the s172 request has been complied with (and the driver named) the police don't even know who they should be questioning about anything (if they deem it necessary at all).

redpete

Georgiegirl256 wrote: »

Don't be so trusting. Anyone can engineer a realistic looking letter nowadays.

The first thing I'd be doing is going down to the local Police Station with the letter. They'd be able to verify it and advise you if it is real or if it is a scam.

But she checked the address and phone number and they are valid - so a phone call to the station would be sufficient to find out what it's about.

sarahkmv

Thanks all for the great advice. Obviously if I've done something wrong and they have proof then I'll be shocked to be honest.

I will update, going to ring the collision s department tomorrow after work as well as the car park company.

November_2012

sarahkmv wrote: »

Thanks all for the great advice.
I will update, going to ring the collision s department tomorrow after work as well as the car park company.

I can guarantee the collisions department won't disclose any info whatsoever until they have received the driver nomination details so wait til they will have likely received that before ringing. Even then whether they would tell you anything over the phone is doubtful, once they've received the notice the next step is likely to be a letter asking you to produce your driving licence, insurance and MOT at a Police station within 7 days. I'd be surprised if a car park bump (that can't have been a very big bump as you weren't even aware of it) went any further than that.

FBaby

Obviously I'm not perfect so technically, yes, I could have done something that caused someone else damage, but without more info I'm a bit stuck!
That won't look good in a Police interview!

OP doesn't care about looking good in a Police interview, she cares about the truth.

Obviously if I've done something wrong and they have proof then I'll be shocked to be honest.

If she feels it is a case a mistaken identity, surely she can look into hiring a solicitor afterwards.

Personal experience is it? Mmmm...

LannieDuck

FBaby wrote: »

Personal experience is it? Mmmm...

I've also heard the same from a criminal defence solicitor. She said it doesn't matter whether you've done it or not, get a solicitor before you speak with them.

Georgiegirl256

redpete wrote: »

But she checked the address and phone number and they are valid - so a phone call to the station would be sufficient to find out what it's about.

She googled the address. I didn't see anything about checking the phone number, apologies if I've missed that.

There's just that many scams going around nowadays, had a phone call the other day asking me about that car accident I'd been in, just trying their luck incase I actually had I guess? I'm very cynical about these things, hence why I (and others) suggested going to the Police Station.

But apparently the majority feel that it is real, so I guess it probably is, but I still feel it's probably some idiot trying their luck and trying to shift the blame on to the OP, because if you're paying attention when you're driving then surely you would know if you'd hit something.

Paradigm

FBaby wrote: »

OP doesn't care about looking good in a Police interview, she cares about the truth.

She also cares about not opening the door to a possible prosecution which a comment like that might just do. Having a solicitor present is absolutely essential if it comes to an interview (especially under caution). Make no mistake, most people will unintentionally incriminate themselves... whether guilty or not.

FBaby wrote: »

Personal experience is it? Mmmm...

'fraid so.

ManofLeisure_2

TonyMMM wrote: »

It's not bizarre - it is a standard process to identify the driver of a vehicle. Thousands of these letters (under s172 of the Road traffic Act) are sent out every day (for speeding offences, red lights and failing to stop accidents and other driving matters) .... until the s172 request has been complied with (and the driver named) the police don't even know who they should be questioning about anything (if they deem it necessary at all).

What is bizarre, is that an individual who may be 'innocent', is subjected to such stress as a result of a letter.

sarahkmv

It's great to have all your advice, even if some of it is conflicting!! I can't see how I can have caused any damage, but obviously my index no. hasn't been made up out of the blue!!

I'm more than happy to produce my documents and if they questioned me I could only be honest and say I have no recollection of hitting anyone or anything! My MOT insurance and driving licence are all valid and in date.

Hopefully the parking company can confirm I was or was not there which at least will be a start (given that if I drop off OH usually picks up so unusual for me to do both). I'll also chase the Sports Centre to see if anyone has requested footage as if they haven't CCTV has already been wiped.

FBaby, you are right I'd like the truth and if that means I've caused damage and they can show me the footage I'll take it on the chin, but I can handle on heart say I haven't knowingly done anything wrong.